Anyone have a full ladder rack and shell?

I've been looking into getting a shell and a rack like the ones linked below, but I can't seem to find any pictures of late model Tacomas with this setup. If you have one, I'd love to see it. Pros and cons of racks/shells would also be appreciated.

http://www.rackitinc.com/camperrack.html

http://www.kargomaster.com/pro_iii_medium_duty_truck_rack

Thanks!

 

Yep, I had a Century shell and a Rack-it lumber rack put on it brand new right after I bought the truck. First off, the beds of these trucks are made of plastic which cannot support the weight of a rack and shell. So the rack is actually bolted to the frame, by way of two posts in the front of the bed and two brackets back by the tailgate, then the shell is clamped where the bedrail meets the bottom rail of the rack. This doesn't sound very strong but it's actually quite sturdy and the bed doesn't flex because it doesn't have the weight of the rack and shell sitting on top of it. Rack-its are heavy but they are indestructible, i've loaded rack-its with stupid amounts of weight and never seen one break. Now for the downside, these leaf springs are not made for this much constant weight. since I haul tools most of the time, my leafs are sagging and I talked to Yota dan at Wheeler's and he's recommending two inch AAL's and 5100 Bilstiens shocks. He also recommends air bags but i don't have the cash for that right now. Bottom line I would say plan on investing in upgrades to your rear suspension so you don't end up fucking your leaf springs silly. Also the other kinda odd part is that the cantilevered part of the rack (over the cab), is longer than the 6 foot bed, it just looks a little odd.

 

BTW note the sag on the springs in the last shot of the truck, I hate when shit starts to sag!

 

Thanks a million for the pics and advice Acdronin!!!

One last question. Any idea how tall the rack is? Looks like the high point is at the back. I'm wondering if I'll still be able to fit into the garage once i get this rack installed. I might end up needing saggy suspension to get it in hahaha.

 

I think I measured it at something like 6 foot 8, ya'll can ferget bout most garages, not to mention some parking garages.

 

Ouch. thanks again for all the info!